Western Cape gardener still going strong at 101
April Jooste from Clanwilliam in the Western Cape has been gardening since he was 16. He believes that every day is an opportunity to learn something new.
"Gardening is like raising a child. From a young age the plants must be nourished and cared for to ensure they become big and healthy." This is what 101-year-old Clanwilliam farmer April Jooste told AgriOrbit in November 2017.
This is the approach April has taken to gardening since the age of 16, when he first took over caring for his parents' plants.
In the 85 years since then, April has worked hard each day to cultivate a thriving food garden. He has been a shining example to his community, demonstrating determination and innovation at a time where many people in the Western Cape are struggling to keep their gardens going.
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For April, the drought in the Western Cape is not an obstacle, but an opportunity. He has found ways to incorporate greywater and mulching methods into his everyday gardening.
April's work was recognised by the province at the annual Food Garden Competition in Cederburg, where he received an award for his ongoing contribution to food security in the Western Cape.
April's story is proof that you can never be too old to go out and do something that adds value to society.